shapeways chassis

[sigmaman]

Interesting. I've been following the 3D printing thing for over a year now and the technology is coming down in price. In the past it has been used to make prototypes for companies to have a look at a potential product before deciding to manufacture. If it has a downside it is that it has a coarse finish. I'm sure that will change in the future.

[r32wa]

I have just bought a 3D printer, should arrive today - already have some parts drawn in CAD to print out to update the kits with. As for the rough finish that is easily overcome with what they call a vapour bath. Basically it uses a glass jar with acetone which is heated up and the part put in the jar above the liquid. The acetone vapour smoothes the rough edges and gives a smooth finish like an injection moulded part.

[Jeremy]

That's good to know the parts can be smoothed over!! Looking forward to seeing what you're going to offer!!

[clavender]

What dose a 3d printer run $ wise

[Old Sprinter]

I have worked some with TDR Inovations a few years ago. They make all kinds of drag racing (model) parts in 1/24, 1/12 and 1/8 scale. They use Shapeway to print their stuff. I did some design work on vintage and late model dirt tires and rims. Then a midget chassis and a 110 Offy midget engine. The chassis are very accurate, like everything they make, but the material is brittle. It's not tubing it's layers and layers and layers of this paper thin stuff that sticks together and forms whatever shape it's asked to. It's like plastic but not exactly. So they sent me the 1/8 midget frame and I still have it.